Issues: Health

The New York State Senate today gave final passage to legislation (S4777D), sponsored by Senator Martin Golden (R-C, Brooklyn), that would protect providers of services for the developmentally disabled from state funding cuts. The legislation would appropriate up to $90 million, or as much as is needed, to the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to protect providers from funding reductions if recommended savings measures falls short of projections.

ALBANY— Many of New York’s rural hospitals are in danger of closing unless policy changes are made to strengthen them, according to Senator Catharine Young (R, I, C—Olean), who recently led a roundtable discussion with experts from across upstate to brainstorm solutions.

The session was a joint endeavor between Senator Young, Chair of the Commission on Rural Resources, and Senator Kemp Hannon (R, C, I—Garden City), Chair of the Senate Health Committee.

"I am proud we were able to reach an agreement that will undoubtedly stave off devastating cuts that would negatively impact our most vulnerable populations. As Chairman of the Senate Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Committee, I have met with countless individuals throughout the state who understand the crushing blow these service cuts would have on our nonprofit service providers who care for the developmentally disabled. 

The New York State Senate today gave final legislative passage to a bill that would require all birthing facilities to screen newborn babies for congenital heart defects (CHDs) through a process called pulse oximetry screening. The bill (S.270B), sponsored by Senator William Larkin (R-C, Cornwall-on-Hudson), will save lives through earlier detection of possible heart defects.

“Pulse oximetry screenings are painless, and take one minute to perform,” said Senator Larkin. “By performing this simple test, doctors can take the appropriate and necessary steps to ensure that newborns get the care they need, should they have heart defects. Simply, this measure will save lives.”

ALBANY, 06/11/13 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today honored Herkimer County HealthNet during the Parks & Trails New York  annual award ceremony at the Capitol.  Herkimer County HealthNet received the Get Outdoors award for its commitment to developing and maintaining trails and playgrounds throughout the county.

Ritchie Launches Postcard Campaign in Support of the St. Lawrence Psych Center 

State Senator Patty Ritchie met with the St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center Task Force Friday to launch a postcard campaign to demonstrate support for the facility as state officials continue to deliberate the future of mental health care in New York State.

Postcards, which read “Don’t Shut the Lights Out on the North Country,” have been printed and given to community leaders, union leaders and county officials for distribution.  In addition, cards are also available at Senator Ritchie’s Ogdensburg office, located at 330 Ford Street and can be printed here. All postcards will be mailed to Governor Cuomo and Kristin Woodlock, Acting Commissioner New York State Office of Mental Health.